Without hesitation, the manager grabbed me by the neck and started slapping me hard across the face.
“One... two... three... four...” he counted excitedly, his voice full of glee.
The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.
For the past year, I had worked tirelessly, juggling three jobs every day. I lived on nothing but pickled vegetables and steamed buns, saving every penny to send to the so-called kidnappers. All I wanted was for them to treat my parents well and stop hurting them.
But now, seeing my parents, they casually threw away tens of thousands just to have someone slap me.
The jewelry store was filled with people, all watching me with gloating expressions.
I could hear their whispers.
“Who is she? Why is she being beaten?”
“Apparently, she tried to scam Mr. and Mrs. Sanders, claiming to be their long-lost daughter. Pathetic, right? She must be desperate for money.”
“Look at her. She does have a conniving face. Serves her right.”
I closed my eyes in despair.
No wonder they never brought me to public events after they found me.
No wonder they restricted my movements, forbidding me from leaving the house.